The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-02-23
RkMEpY ron STRIKES.

Strikes are cause Of great lo,s to
workmen and employers, and are a
great injury to trade. The men lose
their wages, tbs employers fail to fill
orders, machinery stands still, and
business establishments are disar-
ranged. Some means evidently must,
sooner or later, bs adopted, satisfacto-
~ alike to employer and employed,
which will make strikes unnecessary.
The bsst expedient found up TO the
present, Is the system Of profit shar.
Ing" Among others who have adopt
cd this System, is the
Nelson Manufacturing Company
of st. Louis. This concern
retains 7 per cent. on the capital in
vested, the remaining prons are di.
vlded equally upon the total amount
Of wages paid and capital employed.
A contract was made TO this purport
and given into the care Of custodian
appointed by the men, who, at the
end OF the year, examines the firms
books and sees that the division is
made satisfactorily. Last month,
when the portion of the profits coming
10 ths men was paid over, a slatemeL t
WAS read to the men showing what
good or evil il 1lencss Lad affected
the profit gained during the year. The
amount was nearly $4,000, but owing
ID various influences the first SIX
months, business had no. paid well,
but the latter had turned out fairly
and the prospects, for the coming year
10 favorable. All were called upon to
do his best and to see that no man
shirked his duty. A large mSjority Of
the men invested their share in TIE
business, thus increasing their income
and identifying them with the bust,
ness, and a promise was made that the
system would be still further liberal
lied, and the statement made that In
the establishment OF Godin & o.
Ia Francs the workmen now hold
almost halt Of the large capital en-
ployed. For the coming year the Arm
contract to sllow!a tenth of the profits
| II 20 for a fund for the sick or dis.
abled, aud for the families OF deceased
wolkmen; alss fifteth to library
in charge OF committee OF the men
an a tenth for q fund to meet losses
aud pay dividends In unfavorabll
years. Those who took out certificates
for their dividends will, at the end o.
the year, receive a fourth more thar
the regular dividend. A case OF book
was presented to the men, who viii
have a lighted and heated room fol
evening reading. Each Of the 15o mer
received cash, or q certificate, for
per cent. on the wages each haC
earned during the year; less than II
per cent. Of the men took cash. TIL,
certificate is payable at the end Of th,
year, or ON demand, or when leAviDi
the establishment. Those who re
main continuously to the end Of tn
year, and retain the certificate, will b
entitled TO such rate of interGs
upon II, and such percentage Of tn
profits earned, as is allowed upol
the capital itself. Here we SO
that profit sharing succeeds an,
satisfies both the employer and tn
employed-it pays. So 1t ha
done in other establishments beside
this st. Louis one. Under this sys or
there is no danger Of loss and irrita
ton from strikes, for the interests {
the capitalist and the workman ar
one, tho latter himself becoming ideI
tilted with the capital. When en-
ployers become wise enough ganerall
TO adopt the profit sharing plan, tn,
will cease TO be troubled with labc
, disputes and strikes.
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